A&M International Students Travel to
Veracruz, Learn Regional Dances

A group of eight Texas A&M International University Ballet
Folklórico students will travel to Veracruz, Mexico June 29-July
8 for an in-depth study of regional and folkloric dances of
Mexico.

The students, chosen by their Ballet Folklórico peers for the
trip, will attend the 28th Conference of the Asociación Nacional
de Grupos Folklóricos (National Association of Foklórico
Groups), a California-based dance organization.

"We are excited about this conference," said
Gabriela Mendoza-García, Ballet Folklórico instructor.
"Over 700 students and teachers from throughout Mexico and
the United States attended last year's conference and for us, it
is a great opportunity to represent A&M International."

At the Conference, students will attend three classes a day,
and will receive instruction on the history and techniques of
various dances such as the jarocho, tropical, huasteca and
azteca. In addition, they will learn about dances from Guerrero,
Chihuahua and special dances for children.

"What makes this conference so special is that every one
of the teachers lecturing will actually be from the regions they
are lecturing on," Mendoza-García said.

The Ballet Folklórico is one of over 50 active student clubs
or organizations contributing to student life at A&M
International.

For further information, please call the Office of Public
Affairs and Information Services at 326-2180. University office
hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with
media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public
Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu